Upcoming NIH Regional Seminar in Baltimore - April 2020

If you are a researcher or research administrator who is new to the NIH grant proposal process or  seeking updates, check out the NIH Regional Seminar coming up in April. This 2-day seminar (plus pre-seminar course options) is designed to provide an overview of the proposal process as well as relevant federal policies and current issues impacting grant funding.  The seminar will be held in Baltimore, Maryland.  Baltimore is an excellent choice.  The April weather averages 48-67 degrees, so you'll be able to enjoy nice spring weather and fun attractions such as the Baltimore Inner Harbor and National Aquarium.

Register now for the upcoming NIH Regional Seminar

Registration for the next NIH Regional Seminar ends September 1st!  This year's seminar on program funding and grants administration will be held in the wonderful city of Chicago, Illinois at the Palmer House Hotel.  (This is a Hilton property, for those of you who are brand-loyal.)  The main seminar will be October 27-28.  It will be preceded by optional pre-seminar workshops on October 26.  Review the schedule here.

2015 NIH Regional Seminar

From May 6-8, NIH will be hosting a Regional Seminar in Baltimore, MD.  This is a chance for everyone involved in the grant proposal process to hear from NIH experts and interact with program staff.  For registration information, click here.  Early registration is $285 through February 13th. If you are new to human subjects research, there is also a 1-day workshop on research protections for human subjects research.

Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland, and has some great restaurants and activities.  If you attend the seminar, I highly recommend finding time to also visit the National Aquarium.  It is truly fascinating and fun for all ages.

Center for Scientific Review webinars

The Center for Scientific Review presented a series of webinars this month for potential applicants.  The webinars each include presentations by experts from NIH, as well as question and answer periods at the end.  If you missed your chance to view the webinars, don't worry.  They will all be posted at this link very soon.  I highly recommend the R01 webinar for those who are new to the application process or who have not successfully competed for an R01 grant in the past. 

The Society of Research Administrators conference can help scientists too

September 29th through October 3rd, the Society of Research Administrators International (SRA) is holding their annual national conference in Orlando, Florida at the Gaylord Palms.  This conference offers a broad range of educational sessions related to the field of research administration (i.e. the people who edit, review, process, and submit your grant applications).  While sessions such as those related to cost principles or OMB circulars may have no relevance to you as a researcher, other sessions may be helpful.  For example, many sessions are designed for pre-award administrators and include topics such as Proposal Budget Development and Subcontracting on Federal Grants.  True, you may not need to understand all of the intricacies involved in, say, sending subcontract funds to researchers in Italy.  However, understanding the processes behind what you are doing and the rules and regulations that bind your research administration staff can help you to plan better proposals and budget more reasonably.  It will also help to prevent those pesky calls from your grants office letting you know that you have misread the instructions and need to cut your budget in half. 

If your department budget allows, consider making the trip to Orlando to participate in this conference.  If you are unable to budget for the trip using work funds, consider incorporating the conference into a trip to nearby amusement parks.  The conference is located in close proximity to Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World, as well as many other area attractions.  The weather in Florida in October is typically beautiful.

Last chance to meet NIH in Florida!

Are you looking for a chance to meet face-to-face with NIH personnel and ask questions about grant proposals? Want to do it in beautiful, sunny Florida? Don't miss your chance to attend the NIH Regional Seminar on Program Funding and Grants Administration in Weston, Florida. Last-minute registration is still available for the June 22-24 meeting.

Weston is not far from Fort Lauderdale and many wonderful attractions. If you go, and are fortunate enough to be able to extend your visit with a vacation, be sure to check out the Jungle Queen riverboat for some unique entertainment. I also highly recommend the shops and restaurants on Las Olas Boulevard.